According to Namdev, most Bollywood sets operate on a rigid class system. “The stars have different foods, and others eat different food items,” he explained, noting that facilities are often allocated based on salary rather than seniority or experience. However, this pattern was famously broken during the filming of the 2012 hit OMG! Oh My God.
Namdev recalled how Akshay Kumar, along with director Umesh Shukla, decided to implement a “one-menu” policy. This wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a fundamental shift in the set’s ecosystem.
Equal Meals: Everyone from the lead superstar to the technical crew and spot boys ate the exact same meal. The Only Exception: The only variations allowed were for specific dietary needs, such as “No Onion, No Garlic” (Jain) meals.
Unified Space: By removing the “VIP kitchen,” the move forced a rare sense of unity where everyone shared the same food and the same atmosphere.
“The environment was something else at that time on the shoot location of OMG. Good people like Akshay Kumar and the director decided together that everyone should eat and drink the same thing.” — Govind Namdev
A Contrast to Industry Standards
Namdev’s praise for Kumar comes as a critique of the wider industry. He noted that many stars avoid interacting with supporting actors or seeking advice from seniors because they fear it might diminish their “star status.” In an industry where a higher paycheck usually guarantees a massive vanity van and a private chef, Kumar’s insistence on equality was seen as a “fresh perspective.”
The Impact of a Simple Lunch
Namdev, known for his legendary villainous roles in films like Satya and Virasat, expressed surprise at Kumar’s work ethic and grounded nature. He described how Akshay manages a grueling schedule—working 24 hours with only 3–4 hours of sleep—while still prioritizing the well-being of the entire unit.
By changing the food culture, Kumar didn’t just fill stomachs; he bridged the gap between the “small actors” and the “superstars.” For Namdev, this was a lesson in leadership, proving that the atmosphere on a film set is at its best when the person at the top chooses to sit at the same table as the person at the bottom. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
